If you discover your identity has been stolen, act immediately. Following the steps below may help minimize the impact and prevent additional issues from arising.

Notify all creditors with whom you have accounts, including banks and credit card companies.

Close all compromised accounts and dispute fraudulent transactions.

Open a new account(s) with new passwords and PIN numbers. If you had direct deposits or automatic payments set-up through the compromised accounts, remember to set them up through your new account(s).

Notify one of the three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. Request a Fraud Alert and request a copy of your Credit Report. Dispute any inaccurate Credit Report information. Also consider requesting a Credit Freeze.4

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or by calling 877-438-4338. (Also notify the FTC if your social security number has been compromised.)

File either an Identity Theft Report or Miscellaneous Incident Report with your local police department. Include your FTC Complaint and supporting documentation. Request a copy of all reports filed; you may need the copy to dispute fraudulent accounts and/or debt created by the identity thief.

If a fraudulent account(s) was opened in your name, contact the creditor (bank, credit card company, etc.). Request written confirmation of all closed fraudulent accounts and/or fraudulent debts.

Notify your local Postal Inspection Service Office if you suspect mail theft or believe a false Change-of-Address Form was filed in your name.

Notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 800-908-4490.

Keep detailed written records of all the steps you've taken to restore your identity. Include business, creditor and government agency names, names of the representatives who helped you, a summary of the information exchanged and the date of each interaction. Detailed records may be needed to dispute fraudulent debts or file charges.

Managing Your Identity

Protecting Against Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to commit fraud or other crimes in your name. Identity thieves may go through your mail or trash to obtain your information, or attempt to access it through e-mail, text messages or phone conversations.

More than 11 million Americans had their identity stolen in 2011.1 Follow the guidelines below and help protect yourself, your good name and your good credit.

Sign up for Identity Theft Protection. An identity theft protection program monitors your credit reports, online debit/credit card number(s) and social security number. If suspicious activity is detected, you will be notified and will receive identity recovery assistance.

Monitor your mail. Call the sender (e.g., your utility company, your bank, etc.) if mail fails to arrive. A false Change-of-Address Form may have been filed to divert your information to another address. Use a secure mailbox for outgoing mail.

Secure your SSN, passwords and PINs. Don't keep passwords, PINs, or your Social Security card or number in your wallet or purse. When creating PINs and passwords, avoid using information easily linked to you.

Identity theft can interfere with your ability to get a loan or rent an apartment. It can even prevent you from getting a job. The longer it goes undetected, the more expensive and difficult it is to resolve.3

Help minimize your risk; make prevention part of your routine today.

If you are concerned that you have received fraudulent e-mail, disclosed confidential information or have questions about online security, not related to debit cards, please contact us immediately.
TD Bank Phishing and Identity Theft Hotline
1-800-893-8554

For concerns related to debit or credit card transactions or lost or stolen cards

4 Some states charge a fee for a Credit Freeze request. For details, please contact your state's Attorney General's office.

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This article is based on information available in August 2012. It is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific financial, investment, tax, legal, accounting, or other advice and should not be acted or relied upon without the advice of a professional advisor. A professional advisor will recommend action based on your personal circumstances and the most recent information available.

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